Big Jon Manual Downriggerâ An Overview
Big Jon manual downriggers are renowned for their robust construction and reliability, utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum. These downriggers are designed for serious anglers and offer a dependable, non-electric solution for controlling fishing depth, known for their sturdy build.
Big Jon manual downriggers stand out as a premier choice for anglers seeking robust and reliable depth control. With a legacy dating back to 1968, they’ve established a reputation for utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum in their construction, ensuring long-lasting durability. These manual units provide a dependable non-electric option, allowing for precise depth adjustments. Big Jon’s downriggers are designed to withstand the rigors of serious fishing. They are built to last, offering a solid investment for any angler looking to enhance their trolling setup.
Key Features of Big Jon Manual Downriggers
Big Jon manual downriggers boast several key features including aircraft-grade aluminum construction, adjustable disc clutch mechanisms, and flexible boom designs. These features ensure durability and efficient operation for anglers.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction
Big Jon downriggers are constructed using high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity. This robust material choice allows the downriggers to withstand the rigors of frequent use in harsh marine environments. The aluminum construction resists corrosion and provides a stable, reliable platform for deep water fishing, making Big Jon a leader in downrigger manufacturing since 1968. This feature sets them apart from competitors.
Adjustable Disc Clutch Mechanism
The adjustable disc clutch mechanism in Big Jon manual downriggers allows for precise control over the downrigger’s cable tension. This feature enables anglers to easily adjust the amount of drag required when lowering or raising a weight. The clutch can be fine-tuned for different weights and fishing conditions, preventing slippage and ensuring smooth, controlled operation. This is crucial for effective and safe trolling, especially when fighting large fish.
Flexible Boom Design
Big Jon manual downriggers feature a flexible boom design that is engineered to reduce stress on boat transoms and gunwales. This flexibility helps prevent cracking of fiberglass and metal fatigue, especially during rigorous fishing. The boom’s design allows it to absorb some of the shock and movement associated with trolling, providing added protection to both the downrigger and the boat. This ensures long-lasting durability and reliable performance.
Big Jon Manual Downrigger Models
Big Jon offers several manual downrigger models, including the Big Water Manual, the Gadabout, and the Runabout Clamp-on. Each model is designed to meet specific needs and preferences of anglers.
The Big Water Manual
The Big Water Manual downrigger is built for a lifetime of rigorous fishing, constructed with high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring it outlasts competitors. It features a flexible boom to reduce stress on boat transoms and gunwales, along with an adjustable disc clutch and a footage counter for precise depth control. The Big Water includes a 20″ aluminum J-rod and a single rod holder.
The Gadabout
The Gadabout is designed as an ideal entry-level downrigger, maintaining the same high construction standards as other Big Jon products. It features aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability and a flexible boom to minimize stress on boats. The Gadabout includes a 2-foot aluminum J-rod, an adjustable disc clutch, and a single rod holder, making it suitable for smaller boats and anglers new to downrigger fishing.
The Runabout Clamp-on
The Runabout Clamp-on manual downrigger is designed for boat owners seeking an easy-to-use, versatile option. It shares the same high construction standards as other Big Jon products, featuring aircraft-grade aluminum for lasting durability. Its clamp-on design allows for simple attachment and removal, making it ideal for those who need a portable solution without permanent mounting. It provides a flexible boom to reduce boat stress.
Big Jon Downrigger Manual Operation
Big Jon manual downriggers utilize a hand crank system for raising and lowering the weight. They also feature a footage counter, which helps anglers maintain precise depth control during fishing.
Manual Crank System
The manual crank system on Big Jon downriggers is designed for smooth and reliable operation, allowing anglers to precisely control the depth of their fishing lines. This system features a hand winch that enables the user to raise or lower the downrigger weight with ease. The robust design ensures consistent performance even under heavy loads and varying conditions. It’s a dependable system for anglers who prefer hands-on control without relying on electric power.
Footage Counter
Big Jon manual downriggers often include a built-in footage counter, a valuable tool that allows anglers to accurately measure the depth of their fishing lines. This feature enables precise bait placement, ensuring that lures are presented at the desired depth to target specific fish species. The counter enhances the fishing experience by providing consistent and repeatable depth control. This system is an essential part of the downrigger’s functionality.
Maintenance and Parts
Maintaining your Big Jon downrigger involves consulting schematics and manuals for proper care. Parts availability is generally good, ensuring longevity and continued performance of these durable fishing tools, keeping them in excellent working order.
Schematics and Manuals
Big Jon provides comprehensive schematics and manuals for their downriggers, ensuring users can understand the components and perform necessary maintenance. These resources, often available online as PDFs, cover various models like the Big Water Manual and others. Access to these documents is crucial for proper assembly, troubleshooting, and part identification, promoting the longevity of the downrigger and making repairs easier. They are indispensable for ensuring optimal performance.
Parts Availability
Big Jon ensures parts availability for their manual downriggers, which is essential for maintenance and repairs. Components like knobs, rod holder caps, and other specific parts can be ordered online through various retailers. This availability helps extend the lifespan of the equipment, allowing users to replace worn or damaged pieces, rather than replacing the entire unit. Access to parts guarantees the continued reliable operation of Big Jon downriggers.
Big Jon vs. Competitors
When comparing Big Jon to competitors like Cannon, the emphasis is often on Big Jon’s aircraft-grade aluminum construction, known for its strength and durability, which sets it apart in the market.
Comparison with Cannon Downriggers
When choosing between Big Jon and Cannon manual downriggers, anglers often consider build quality and reliability. Big Jon is recognized for utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum, which many believe provides superior strength and longevity. While both brands offer durable products, the specific materials and design philosophies lead to varying preferences among users, with Big Jon often being favored for its ruggedness.
Purchasing and Pricing
Big Jon downriggers can be found at retailers like Bass Pro Shops and FishUSA, with pricing varying by model. Used models are available; their value depends on age and condition.
Where to Buy Big Jon Downriggers
Big Jon downriggers are available through various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Major outdoor equipment suppliers like Bass Pro Shops are a reliable source, offering a wide selection of models. Additionally, specialty fishing retailers such as FishUSA also carry these downriggers, often providing specific models and parts. Online marketplaces like eBay may also list Big Jon downriggers, both new and used, offering a broader range of options; Always ensure the seller is reputable when purchasing online.
Used Big Jon Downrigger Value
The value of a used Big Jon downrigger varies based on several factors including its model, age, and overall condition. Older models, such as those from the 1980s, may have reduced value compared to newer units. The presence of original parts, or recent replacements, can also affect pricing. The condition of the boom, clutch, and mounting hardware will also play a significant role. Checking online marketplaces or forums can provide a general idea of current used downrigger prices, as this is where many secondhand items are bought and sold.
Installation and Setup
Proper installation involves securing the downrigger to the boat, often using a mounting plate or transom bar. Placement is key for optimal performance, ensuring easy access and minimal interference.
Mounting Options and Transom Bars
Big Jon downriggers offer versatile mounting options, including direct attachment to the boat’s gunwale or utilizing a dedicated transom bar. Transom bars, often pre-drilled for multiple downriggers, provide a robust and easily removable platform for multiple units. These bars are especially useful for boats needing a more flexible setup, allowing for quick installation and removal of downrigger systems. Proper mounting ensures stability and maximizes the downrigger’s performance, enhancing your fishing experience.
Proper Placement on Boat
Proper placement of Big Jon downriggers is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Before mounting, it’s recommended to assess the best location with your fishing partners, ensuring easy access and visibility. Downriggers should be positioned to avoid interference with other equipment and to allow for a clear line of sight to the downrigger cable and fishing lines. Placement should facilitate smooth operation and prevent stress on the boat’s structure. Consider the boat’s balance and avoid creating an imbalance.
Big Jon Downrigger Accessories
Big Jon offers various accessories to enhance downrigger use, including rod holders, which are often made from aluminum and may be pre-drilled for easy mounting, among other add-ons.
Rod Holders and Other Add-ons
Big Jon provides a range of accessories to complement their downriggers, notably including sturdy aluminum rod holders designed for secure and convenient rod placement. These rod holders often feature a durable build and are designed to withstand the rigors of trolling. Additional add-ons may include items like mounting plates, planer boards, and various clips to optimize your fishing setup, thus enhancing the overall angling experience with Big Jon downriggers.
